Higher Heights for America, the only national political action committee exclusively dedicated to mobilizing and electing more Black women to public office, announced on Friday its official endorsement of Jennifer Carroll Foy in her bid for Governor of Virginia.

“Jennifer Caroll Foy has shown a deep commitment to ending the status quo that has left painful inequities for too many families and working people in Virginia. As a former public defender, Carroll Foy has advocated for those who often go unheard by our government, including people battling addiction, homelessness and mental illness, poor people and children. Having experienced and witnessed firsthand hardships with poverty, affordable health care, gun violence and education, Carroll Foy is the future we all need, ready to advance the rights and well-being of Virginia’s next generation. 

The organization released the following statement:

“We acknowledge the great significance of having two deeply qualified Black women running in this race and are optimistic about the precedent this will set for future elections throughout our country, in which we are not only able to vote for Black women, but also have a choice between multiple excellent Black women candidates. Carroll Foy is running a campaign that is building on the momentum of support from countless Virginians and we are optimistic that Foy’s qualifications and background provide a pathway to her election. We know she will provide transformative, long-term leadership for the next generation as Governor.

“At Higher Heights, we are steadfastly committed to eliminating gaps in Black women’s representation across our nation. Our organization looks forward to continuing this momentum with our support for Jennifer Carroll Foy to be America’s first Black woman governor.” 

The endorsement is significant because many Black-led organizations have decided to remain neutral in the Virginia gubernatorial race due to the fact that both Jennifer Carroll Foy and Jennifer McClellan are running historic campaigns in attempts to become the first Black woman elected governor in the nation. 

According to the organization’s website, they have helped elect 19 Black women across the country, including Vice President Kamala Harris, four mayors, three statewide candidates, one senator, and ten members of the House of Representatives.

“I am honored to be endorsed by Higher Heights, which has made it its mission to ensure that we don’t just have legislation written for Black women, but by Black women,” said Carroll Foy. “When we are ready to lead, Higher Heights is there to support and elevate our candidacies, and I am proud to be working on the frontlines with them and so many others to advance the fight for true justice. As Governor, I’ll work every day to ensure working families have an opportunity to not just survive, but to thrive.”

The endorsement comes during a big week for the Carroll Foy Campaign. Gloria Steinham, the famous feminist journalist and activist, endorsed the campaign Thursday morning. As the end of the Democratic Primary for the gubernatorial election nears, the race is only becoming more competitive.